Victor Matfield could be out of rugby for six weeks according to Bulls doctor Tommy Smook.

The Springbok lock injured his knee against the Cats in a pre-season match at Ellis Park, much to the horror of the Bulls coaching staff.

While Matfield was initially ruled out for a month, it now looks as if he’ll be out for a little longer. However, the good news is that Matfield won’t need an operation.

“His knee is still swollen and we must accept that he will be out of action for longer,” Smook told Beeld rugby writer Morris Gilbert. “This reduces the chance that he will face the Cheetahs on the 10 February.”

Matfield could also miss the match against the Brumbies at Loftus Versveld the following week.

“We will take no chances with Victor. He will only play once we are convinced that he has fully recovered from his knee injury. It is difficult to predict when he will be ready,” added Smook.

Meanwhile, the Blue Bulls have named a third-string team to play Russia at Loftus Versveld on Saturday.